KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- Change in food and weather conditions should not be contributing factors that can affect the performances of Malaysian athletes at the London Olympics that officially starts on Friday.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said national athletes competing in the Olympics should have already prepared themselves physically and mentally to face the challenges, especially during the month of Ramadan.

"They (athletes) are well informed and aware of the food intake by the National Sports Institute (ISN). What is important is healthy food not food that tastes good.

"A proper food regime is important to compete at a high level competition, especially during the fasting month and athletes must be mentally strong and control their food intake," he told Bernama recently.

Ahmad Shabery said all athletes in the Malaysian Olympic contingent are experienced and have competed in international competitions.-- BERNAMA